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queeryouthautonomy · 1 year

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State march masterpost (updated as information comes in!)

All times are local time unless otherwise specified. Reblogs are off because this is a living, regularly updated post; please see our website or send an ask for more information! Post you can reblog is here. Alabama: Florence—114 W Mobile St -> 200 S Court St, 3/31, 3:30pm (link) Montgomery—Alabama State House, 3/31, 1pm (link)

Alaska: Anchorage—Dimond Center -> Costco Wholesale, 3/31, 12pm

Arizona: Prescott—Prescott Courthouse, 3/31, 2pm Sierra Vista—Fry and Coronado -> City Hall, 3/31, 3pm (link) Tuscon—Tuscon City Hall, 3/31, 4pm (link)

Arkansas: Eureka Springs—Basin Spring Park, 3/31, 6pm (link) Little Rock—Lucie’s Place, 3/31, 6pm Marion—Brunetti Park -> Marion City Hall, 3/31, 5pm

California: Castro Valley—Castro Valley High School (non-students please join in once the protest has left school grounds) -> Corner of Redwood Rd and Castro Valley Blvd, 3/30, 3:35pm (link) Fresno—N Blackstone Ave & E Nees Ave, 3/31, 4pm (link) Hollywood—Corner of Sunset & Vine, 3/30, 4:15pm Merced—3055 Loughborough Dr -> Laura's Fountain -Applegate Park 1045 W 25th St, 3/31, 4:30pm (link) Pomona—Pomona Pride Center 836 S -> City Hall, 3/31, 4pm (link) Riverside—Back To The Grind Coffee Shop –> Riverside City Hall, 3/31, 4pm (link) Sacramento—Capitol Complex, 3/31, 12pm (link) San Diego—Balboa Park at the Bea Evenson Foundation -> El Prado, 3/31, 5pm San Francisco—Corner of Turk & Taylor -> City Hall, 3/25, 11am (link) | Patricia's Green -> City Hall, 3/31, 2:15pm (link) San Jose—San Jose City Hall, 3/31, 5:30pm (link) Santa Ana—Brad Brafford LGBT Center on 4th, 3/31, 6pm (link)

Colorado: Denver—Civic Center Park, 3/17, 8:30pm | West Steps of the Capitol, 3/24, 11am (link)

Connecticut: Bristol—131 N Main Street, 3/31, 1pm Fairfield—Upper Quad of Sacred Heart University, 3/31, 4pm New Haven—corner of Chaple and Church St, 3/31, 4pm

Delaware: Wilmington—Delaware Historical Society –> Rodney Square, 3/31, 6pm (link)

District of Colombia: Union Station -> US Capitol, 3/31, 3pm (link)

Florida: Altamonte Springs—3/31, 9am (link) Naples—Cambier Park, 3/31, 6pm (link) Ocala—Pine Plaza -> City Hall, 3/31, 3:30pm Orlando—Dr Philips Performing Arts Center, 3/31, 11am Port Orange—Corner of Yorktowne Blvd. and Dunlawton Ave -> Port Orange Regional Library, 3/31, 4:30pm Tallahassee—state Capitol building, 3/31, 2pm (link) Venice—Town Center -> Venice Beach, 3/31, 10:30am

Georgia: Atlanta—state Capitol building, 3/31, 12pm (link) Dalton—3/31, 11am (link) Gainesville—Gainesville Square –> Jesse Jewell Parkway (in front of CVS), 3/31, 5pm Savannah—Forsyth Park -> City Hall & back, 3/31, 6pm

Hawaii: Honolulu—state Capitol building, 3/31, 3:30pm

Idaho: Boise—TBD Shelley—Shelley City Park, 3/31, 2pm

Illinois: Champaign—McKinley Foundation Church Chapel, University of Illinois, 3/31, 5:30pm Chicago—Grant Park, 3/31, 5pm Rockford—1005 5th Ave, 3/31, 5pm (link) Streamwood—7 Augusta Dr –> 7 S Sutton Rd, 3/31, 8am (link)

Indiana: Fort Wayne—Boone Street Playlot -> Allen County Courthouse, 3/23, 3pm (link) | Allen County Courthouse, 3/31, 5pm (link) Hanover—Hanover College Quad, 3/31, 1pm Indianapolis—433 N Capital Ave -> 1 Monument Circle, 3/31, 3pm Terre Haute—Terre Haute Courthouse, 3/31, 5pm

Iowa: Des Moines—state Capitol building (West Capitol Terrace Stage), 3/31, 6pm (link) Dubuque—Dubuque Courthouse -> Washington Park, 3/31, 4pm (link) Iowa City—Pentacrest -> Wesley Center, 3/31, 6pm (link)

Kansas: Lenexa—Lenexa Rec Center -> City Hall, 3/31, 5pm Topeka—state Capitol building entrance, 3/31, 5pm (link) Wichita—121 E Douglas Ave, 3/31, 4pm (link)

Kentucky: Frankfort—front of Annex Building, 3/29, 9:30am (link) | Kentucky State Capitol, 4/8, 1pm (link) Lawrenceburg—Anderson County Courthouse -> 44 Anna Mac Clarke Ave, 4/3, 3pm (link) Lexington—Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, 3/31, 4:30pm | Outside of the Old Fayette County Courthouse, 3/31, 6pm

Louisiana: Lake Charles—Prein Lake Park, 3/31, 12pm New Orleans—Washington Square Park 700 Elysian Fields Ave, 3/31, 5pm (link)

Maine: Bangor—West Market Square, 3/31, 6pm Portland—456 Congress St, 3/31, 6pm (link) Rockland—Intersection of Main Street and Park Street (near Walgreens and Maine Sport) –> Chapman Park, 3/31, 5:30pm

Maryland: Baltimore—400 E Biddle St, 3/31, 5pm Oakland—32 Oak St –> 305 E Oak St, 3/31, 3pm (link)

Massachusetts: Boston—state house, 3/18, 11am (link) | state house, 3/28, 10am (link) Sunderland—North Star, 45 Amherst Road, 3/31, 12pm

Michigan: Detroit—Woodward-Warren Park, 3/31, 5pm (link) Fenton—Rackham Park, 3/31, 6pm (link) Grand Rapids—Downtown, 3/31, 5pm Lansing—state Capitol building, 3/31, 11am

Minnesota: Saint Paul—state Capitol building, 3/31, 9am (link)

Mississippi:

Missouri: Columbia—701 East Broadway Blvd, 3/31, 5:30pm (link) | Uptown Columbia –> Downtown Columbia, 4/15, 9am Jefferson City—Missouri State Capitol, 3/29, 2pm (link) St Louis—11911 Dorsett Rd –> 715 NW Plz Dr, 4/27, 1pm

Montana: Missoula—Missoula Courthouse, 3/31, 5pm (link)

Nebraska: Lincoln—state Capitol building, 3/31, 5:30pm

Nevada: Las Vegas—Las Vegas TransPride Center -> The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, 3/31, 11am (link)

New Hampshire: Keene—Keene State College Campus Main Entrance -> Center Square, 3/31, 5pm (link)

New Jersey: Flemington—Flemington Historic Courthouse -> Flemington DIY, 3/31, 3:45pm (link) Trenton—State House, 3/31, 3pm (link)

New Mexico: Albuquerque—Civic Plaza, 3/31, 5pm Santa Fe—State Capitol -> the Attorney General's office, 3/31, 11am

New York: Albany—Washington Square Park -> Capitol Park, 3/31, 1pm Canandaigua—7 Mill St, 3/31, 3pm Forest Hills—Forest Hills Station, 3/31, 2:30pm New Paltz—SUNY New Paltz Campus, 3/31, 3:30pm New York City—Union Square -> Washington Square Park, 3/31, 5pm (link) | Times Square, 3/31, 5pm Penn Yan—Yates County Courthouse, 3/31, 3pm (link) Plattsburgh—Hawkins Pond -> Samuel Champlain Monument Park, 3/23, 3pm Utica—Genesee-Parkway Intersection, 3/31, 5pm Westchester—SUNY Purchase College, 3/31, 5pm

North Carolina: Asheville—TBD Mooresville—Freedom Park -> Town Hall, 3/31, 2:30pm (link) Raleigh—John Chavis Memorial Park, 3/31, 1pm Wilmington—Historic Thalian Hall Steps, 3/31, 5pm (link)

North Dakota:

Ohio: Cleveland—Free Stamp @ Willard Park -> City Hall, 3/31, 4pm Cleveland Heights—City Hall, 3/31, 11am (link) Columbus—Goodale Park, 3/31, 5pm Dayton—Lily’s Dayton (329 E 5th St) –> Courthouse Square (23 N Main St), 3/31, 4pm Lakewood Park—Lakewood Park, 3/31, 4pm (link) Madison—Madison Village Square Park, 3/31, 4pm (link)

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City—Supreme Court of Oklahoma -> state Capitol building, 3/31, 5pm Tulsa—Central Library, 3/31, 4pm (link)

Oregon: Bend—Drake Park, 3/31, 5pm Hillsboro—Civic Center -> 145 NE 2nd Ave, 3/31, 5pm Medford—Vogel Plaza 200 E. Main Street, 3/31, 4pm Portland—Tom McCall Waterfront Park -> Pioneer Courthouse, 3/31, 2pm

Pennsylvania: Harrisburg—state Capitol building, 3/31, 1pm (link) Oil City—Oil City -> Franklin, 3/31, 8am Philadelphia—Temple University Bell Tower, 3/29, 1pm (link) | City Hall, 3/31, 6pm (link) Pittsburgh—City County Building, 3/31, 5pm (link)

Rhode Island: Providence—the Wheeler School -> state Capitol building, 3/31, 11:30am

South Carolina: Columbia—State House Grounds, 3/31, 2pm Greenville—300 S Main St, 3/31, 3pm (link)

South Dakota: Brookings—City Council Building, 3/31, 5pm (link) Rapid City—Main Street Square, 3/31, 5pm

Tennessee: Knoxville—Downtown Hilton, 3/31, 10:30am (link) | Gay Street & Market Square (where the water fountain markers are), 3/31, 2pm Memphis—Civic Center Plaza, 3/16, 4pm

Texas: Amarillo—Amarillo Chamber of Commerce -> Potter County Courthouse, 3/31, 5pm Austin—state Capitol building, 3/20, 9am (link) Dallas—Main St Garden Park 1902 Main St, 3/18, 12pm (link) | Pacific Plaza, 3/31, 3pm Houston—Discovery Green Park -> City Hall, 3/31, 11:30am Killeen—101 N College St -> 1114 N Fort Hood St, 3/31, 5:30pm Lubbock—Mahon Library parking lot -> county Courthouse, 3/31, 5pm San Antonio—San Antonio Courthouse, 3/31, 6:30pm (link)

Utah: Salt Lake City—state Capitol building, 3/31, 5pm (link)

Vermont: Montpelier—Montpelier State House, 3/31, 12pm (link)

Virginia: Richmond—Open High School -> state Capitol building, 3/31, 3pm

Washington: La Center—by the bridge into town, 3/31, 5pm Olympia—Heritage Park -> state Capitol building, 3/31, 3:30pm Seattle—SeaTac Airport Station, 3/31, 1pm | Volunteer Park -> Seattle Courthouse, 3/31, 4pm (link) Spokane—Cracker Building, 3/18, 12pm (link) Walla Walla—Pioneer Park -> Land Title Plaza, 3/31, 3:45pm (link) Wenatchee—Memorial Park, 3/31, 4pm

West Virginia: Charleston—3/31, 4:30pm

Wisconsin: Appleton—Houdini Plaza, 3/31, 10am (link) Janesville—Corner of East Court Street/Jackman Street -> Corner of West Court Street/South Locust Street, 3/31, 2pm Kenosha—Civic Center Park, 3/31, 12pm Madison—Library Mall, 3/18, 2:30pm (link) | 534 State St –> Wisconsin State Capitol, 3/31, 12pm Milwaukee—TBD

Wyoming:

CANADA: Toronto, Ontario 3/17, 3pm, US Consulate (link)

#queer youth assemble #march for queer and trans youth autonomy #queer youth #queer pride #queer #trans healthcare #trans rights #trans #trans day of visibility #transgender #activists #activism #youth rights #protest

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things-to-do-dunnellon-fl · 6 months

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Fast Air Repair

Your HVAC Lifesaver in Ocala, FL

When it comes to HVAC services in Ocala, FL, Fast Air Repair is the lifeline you can rely on. Committed to exceptional quality and customer satisfaction, they offer a wide spectrum of heating and cooling solutions, including AC installation, AC repair, air conditioning repair, furnace repair, and HVAC repair. What sets Fast Air Repair apart is their unwavering dedication to using factory-authorized parts for every service, ensuring top-notch results every time.

Fast Air Repair knows that your comfort and safety are paramount. They pride themselves on offering same-day service and being available around the clock, even on weekends. This means you're never left in the lurch when your heating or cooling system decides to act up. They prioritize providing clean, healthy air and maximum comfort in your home. Whether it's a minor AC service or a complete HVAC system overhaul, Fast Air Repair guarantees superior workmanship that exceeds your expectations.

Customer satisfaction is not just a promise at Fast Air Repair; it's a guarantee. They serve both residential and commercial clients and provide cost-effective solutions by using high-quality parts and equipment. By choosing Fast Air Repair for your HVAC needs, you're choosing a partner who genuinely cares about your comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

Don't wait for your heating or cooling system to let you down. Contact Fast Air Repair for all your HVAC requirements, from AC installation to HVAC repair, in Ocala, FL. Visit their website at https://www.callfastair.com/ or call them at 352-290-7968 for more information and to schedule your service. Fast Air Repair is ready to ensure your home remains a comfortable and safe haven year-round.

Ocala, Florida: Where History and Culture Converge

Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Ocala is a city steeped in history and culture, offering a unique blend of heritage, arts, and entertainment. With its rich history, Ocala has preserved its heritage through a range of historical landmarks, including the Ocala Historic District, which boasts well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a glimpse into the city's past. The Ocala Union Station stands as a testament to the city's role in Florida's railway history, offering a nostalgic journey back in time.

The city is also a hub for culture and the arts. The Appleton Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of European, American, Asian, and contemporary art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The Reilly Arts Center hosts a variety of performances, from classical concerts to Broadway shows, providing a stage for local and international talent. Ocala's vibrant cultural scene is further enriched by numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating the city's diverse heritage and fostering a sense of community.

Ocala offers a remarkable blend of history, culture, and entertainment, inviting visitors to explore its heritage, experience the arts, and immerse themselves in the city's rich tapestry. Whether you're strolling through historic districts or enjoying an evening of art and music, Ocala's unique character leaves an indelible mark on all who seek to delve into its history and culture.

Ocala's Breathtaking Beauty: The Silver Springs State Park

Nestled in the heart of Ocala, Florida, the Silver Springs State Park stands as a timeless natural wonder, captivating visitors with its mesmerizing crystal-clear waters and rich history. This famous landmark boasts one of the largest artesian springs in the world, attracting nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Silver Springs is its astonishing water clarity, offering a window to the vibrant underwater world. The park's glass-bottom boat tours provide a unique opportunity to peer into the depths of this aquatic wonderland, revealing a wealth of fish, turtles, and aquatic flora. Silver Springs has a storied past as a filming location for numerous classic Hollywood movies, including Tarzan and Creature from the Black Lagoon, making it an iconic part of cinematic history.

Beyond the captivating underwater life, Silver Springs State Park offers an array of recreational activities, from hiking along scenic trails to picnicking amid the natural beauty of the park. The presence of Florida manatees and a diverse array of wildlife further enrich the experience for all who visit. With its rich ecological diversity and cinematic heritage, Silver Springs remains a celebrated and iconic landmark in Ocala, Florida, beckoning all to explore its liquid wonders and tranquil surroundings.

Florida: The Sunshine State's Unique Charm

Florida, aptly known as the "Sunshine State," is a fascinating destination in the southeastern United States, boasting a wealth of interesting features that set it apart as a top travel spot. With its diverse ecosystems, world-renowned attractions, and rich history, Florida offers an array of experiences for visitors.

One of Florida's most exceptional characteristics is its unparalleled biodiversity. The state is home to the Everglades, a vast wetland ecosystem, often referred to as the "River of Grass." It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve, home to an incredible array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and rare bird species like the Roseate Spoonbill. Florida's unique landscape also encompasses more than 30,000 lakes, making it a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and anglers.

Florida is famous for its iconic attractions, including the magical realm of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, drawing families and thrill-seekers from around the world. The state's multicultural heritage is reflected in its vibrant cities, such as Miami, known for its lively arts scene and diverse culinary offerings, and St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., with its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. From its natural wonders to its cultural richness and world-class entertainment, Florida's charm is both diverse and enduring, making it a destination that continues to captivate visitors of all tastes and interests.

Link to maps

Silver Springs State Park 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488, United States Head north on NE 29th Pl towards E Silver Springs Blvd 167 ft Turn left onto FL-40 W/E Silver Springs Blvd Pass by Renasant Bank (on the right in 4.6 mi) 5.9 mi Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto S Pine Ave 0.5 mi Turn right onto SW 10th St 0.7 mi Continue onto FL-200/SW College Rd Continue to follow FL-200 Pass by Taco Bell (on the left in 0.9 mi) 11.7 mi Turn right onto SW Hwy 484/80th Ave Rd 1.2 mi Fast Air Repair 11040 SW Hwy 484, Dunnellon, FL 34432, United States

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naturecoaster · 7 months

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Florida Wildlife Corridor Mural Unveiling

Award-winning artist Justin Alsedek is painting the largest mural in the history of Brooksville on the walls of City Hall! The mural will highlight Brooksville’s role in protecting the nearly 18-million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor. The geography surrounding the city of Brooksville connects the Green Swamp with the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and the Nature Coast. But this stretch of the corridor is vulnerable. It contains numerous unprotected lands critical to keeping the corridor connected for both wildlife and people alike. Brooksville Main Street is proud to partner with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation to bring a new and exciting mural to downtown Brooksville! Meet the artist Justin’s journey began in Harrisburg Pennsylvania in a home where creativity and music were encouraged. His desire to create led him on a path towards art school. He graduated from Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in fine art photography. Since then, it has become a life practice for Justin to take off to new places spreading his art along the way. He has had the fortune of seeing many beautiful places in and out of our country. The exotic and geologically astounding sites he encountered inspired many of his pictures and paintings. After 8 years of steady travel, he landed in Ocala, Florida with his wife and son, where his art career unexpectedly blossomed. After more than a decade of commissioned-based portrait work, he is now making a living with his own work, traveling to art festivals, doing gallery shows, and creating large public murals like the one he will complete in downtown Brooksville. The mural will feature native wildlife and Brooksville’s signature tangerines. Celebrate Brooksville Founder’s Day with their unveiling of the new Florida Wildlife Corridor mural. Meet the artist and partners while enjoying light refreshments and learning more about why Brooksville is an important link for the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Promptly at 11 a.m.: Welcome Chris Rhodes, Brooksville Main Street Board President FL Wildlife Corridor Foundation Remarks and partner intros Mallory Dimmitt, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation CEO Check Presentation (fundraiser results for the mural) Blair Hensley, Florida Cracker Kitchen Fundraiser Match Denyve Boyle, Community Foundation Tampa Bay Why Brooksville and the Corridor? Mayor Blake Bell, Brooksville Support for the Corridor Commissioner Steve Champion, District 5 Why murals? Allisa Babor, Hernando County Fine Arts Council Process and mural defined Justin Alsedek, artist and muralist Closing remarks Chris Rhodes, Brooksville Main Street Ribbon Cutting Councilman Thieryung holds scissors. Mayor Bell, Mallory Dimmit, Justin Alsedek, Chris Rhodes, Steve Champion, Blair Hensley, Denyve Boyle, Allissa Babor, Plan to include other dignitaries as present. Save the date for October 14th for a special mural unveiling where you can see the new mural, mingle with the artist Gypsea Arts, meet our mural partners, and learn about the mission behind the project! #floridawildlife #floridawildlifecorridor #florida #centralflorida #protectflorida #fladventurecoast #floridawildlife Read the full article

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shreddinsl0th · 5 years

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Stage one of the Ocala skatepark is already incredibly fun! I'm in love with the mellow hip 💖

#skatepark #ocala #go skate #skateboarding #skate or sloth #real life #street art

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mrmobilecellphone · 3 years

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Mr Mobile Cell Phone

Located on Easy Street in Ocala Florida is a cell phone store that offers everything you could ever need for your mobile device. MR Mobile Cell Phone offers one of the largest selections of mobile devices in Central Florida and has a friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist you with any questions or concerns while looking for your next phone. Check out what is new this month at Mr Mobile :

Mr Mobile Cell Phone in Ocala FL offers everything you will ever need for your phone. Check out their selection of Apple products and accessories, the latest Samsung and Motorola phones, cases & services designed to protect. Stop in and see where we live! Mr Mobile is on Easy Street in Ocala, FL. We are family owned and operated, so come meet us! Mr Mobile Cell Phone is your one stop cell phone store.

Mr. Mobile Cell Phone has everything you need for your smartphone! From cases to chargers, screen protectors to headphones, we have it all! When you walk into our store, you'll be greeted by friendly staff that will help you find exactly what you're looking for. Our knowledgeable staff can even assist with setting up your new phone! We're located on easy street in Ocala, FL.

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Mr Mobile in Ocala FL is an authorized AT&T retailer. We offer everything you could need for your phone including accessories like screen protectors, cases, chargers, adapters, travel origami stand & more. You can also find cell phone plans for any budget.

In the small town of Ocala Florida there are several businesses that are offering the best mobile phones available. These business offer plans that include unlimited calls within the United States, plus international calls on international plans. In addition, each of these businesses provides customers with a variety of special offers and incentives. This is why we settled on Mr Mobile Cell Phone as the best choice for our needs. Mr Mobile provides their customers with a great air conditioned call center that is always on hand to assist customers with any questions or problems they may have regarding their mobile equipment or services.

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When your mind wanders, you need something that can help you pick up the pieces. Whether it is information or motivation, the Mr Mobile Cell Phone provides the solution. This is not just your average cell phone store. Walk into this well-known shop – situated just off I-4 in central Florida – and you will get a truly unique experience in picking out your first mobile phone. Sit back, relax and let our experts assist you in finding the right product for your needs. Walk away from this article knowing that you have picked out the right product for your needs. Not only do we have great prices, but we also offer FREE shipping on orders over $50!

Forget about all that ringing and buzzing. Have a look at this handy MR mobile cell phone which will help you conduct your business affairs and keep in touch with your relatives. This is a big step up from your standard mobile phone. It has both aCD and DVD player, allowing you to burn your favorite music instantly onto your memory card (or write it down if you're confident you won't ever use it). You can connect it to any TV via RCA jack or HDMI and record your favorite show via proprietary cable. Not only that, it has VoIP capability to call your relatives without even having to look at their faces.

Located in Ocala Florida, Mrmobile offers a wide selection of new and used phones. They provides prompt service and reliable phones with no sign of any service delay or hidden fees. Over the last few years Mrmobile has gained national attention for their unbeatable prices on used phones. The company has gained notoriety through their No Contracts policy which allows customers to cancel their service at any time prior to the month's billing cycle and receive a full refund. This has helped the company grow tremendously in its few years of operation and has garnered them more than just name recognition but actual trust and respect from customers.

The Mr Mobile cell phone provides the best value for the money, and that's because it's not just another phone. If you think of all cell phones being the same you will have a hard time deciding on which one to get. But with the Mr Mobile you get something more. The phone has a heart rate monitor, GPS tracking for location correction and can connect to your favorite devices via Bluetooth 4.2 Softlinks.

Nothing can break your concentration like a busy signal or a busy timer. With the Mr Mobile Cell Phone, you can instantly connect with friends, family and colleagues with just a few button pushes. This disruptive mobile device has been designed specifically to replace the traditional receiver – taking the frustration out of calling and knowing where your calls are going to go. Built using state-of-the-art technology, the Mr Mobile Cell Phone receives, interprets and displays all calls within its sight and range with true picture quality. No more struggling to hear unknown voices as you try to make or receive calls on crowded areas of your city.

CONTACT Address: 2606 SW 19th Avenue Rd, Ocala, FL, 34471, USA. Phone: (352) 644-9360 Website: www.mrmobileus.com

#cell phone repair near Ocala #cell phone screen repair in Ocala #cell phone repair shops in Ocala #screen repair near Ocala #phone screen repair Ocala

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sohannabarberaesque · 4 years

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Underwater America with Peter Potamus: Florida’s Space Coast

art by MaudeDraws (https://www.deviantart.com/maudedraws)

This story continues a Friday Fanfic series which debuted late last year, in which Peter Potamus and friends go on a cross-country tour of the nation’s most interesting diving sites in the hope of selling their adventures to television. This story takes place early in the summer of 1970.

I drove the bus out of Ocala at around six o’clock in the morning while everyone else inside was still sleeping off our latest refreshing adventure.

Early into the next leg of our cross-country tour, I pondered taking the winding country roads instead of the highway. I eventually decided on the highway, for the roads were generally less bumpy—thereby making the crew less irritable—and faster, even though we had lots of time to get to our next stop: Florida’s famous State Road A1A, featuring the longest stretches of beaches one could ever hope for.

About 90 minutes later, once everyone was awake, alert and begging for breakfast, we stopped at a diner in Ocoee, not far from Orlando, Walt Disney’s latest conquest. In fact, as we sat in two separate booths looking at menus, the conversation turned to the resort.

“What do you think he’s got there?” Breezly pondered.

“Do you think we could get up close and take pictures?” asked a slightly hyperactive Squiddly, shivering with delight.

“Yeah!” Magilla giddily exclaimed. “Maybe we could have a piece of history!”

“Please,” Mildew said in his usual sassy style. “I doubt they’d let anyone near a construction site. Plus, this is Disney we’re talking about, so they’d probably shoot you!”

“Indeed,” I added, dead serious. “I’m not going to waste valuable time going there. We’ve got Cape Canaveral coming up in a few hours.” The thought of me or any of the others possibly getting arrested for trespassing immediately came to mind. “Let me remind you all that even though we’re all having fun here, I’m spending my life savings to make this dream happen. You all have nothing to lose, but not me.”

Squiddly and Magilla clammed up immediately. I figured they knew what I was talking about: nobody else had any means of support. Hokey and his partner Ding-a-Ling only had their street smarts to get them out of jams. Lippy and Hardy were just struggling. While Magilla could simply go back to Peebles’ Pet Shop, it simply wasn’t a life. This was a ticket to a new life for them and I was not about to risk that for something stupid.

Breakfast, otherwise, was nothing special. The coffee was a little too strong for some of them, and some of the meals just weren’t up to par. Lippy, sitting opposite from me, wasn’t thrilled with the slightly-soggy pancakes, either. We still paid for the meal, though, and went on our way. At least Squiddly loved the bagels and lox.

To compensate for the lack of Disney in our lives, we made an unplanned stop at the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area in Orange County. The area brings hunters, birdwatchers, campers, hikers, botanists, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts together under one roof, and today all of the above were out enjoying themselves.

We took plenty of pictures of birds that morning, with bald eagles and kestrels hunting for their next meal, while herons and ibises, among others, hung out in the wetlands. We were also able to get on camera a group of wild turkeys congregating nearby, with Mildew and Hokey instantly regretting not bringing a shotgun—if only we had one.

“Monsters,” Loopy said with a smirk, although I am certain that, deep down, he would’ve wanted it.

The excursion turned out to be a good thing: the heavy showers came in a few miles after we got back onto Route 524. Better now than later.

“Oh, dear,” Hardy moaned. “That’s going to ruin our plans.”

“Aww, don’t sweat it, Hardy!” replied his optimistic friend, Lippy. “Better now than when we’re out on the boat, right?”

“If you say so,” the sour-flavored hyena moped. “I suppose it could have been worse. We could have been out in the water when—“

As if on cue, lightning struck a few hundred feet away from us, startling everyone but especially Hardy, who would’ve jumped into Lippy’s lap had the seat belt not prevented him from doing so—and yet, we all soldiered on past the rain and out of danger, and just in time.

The timing was perfect: the sun shone brightly on the Indian and Banana rivers, the first things one sees before entering State Road A1A from the north. Sandwiched between the two rivers is Merritt Island, home to the John F. Kennedy Space Center, known throughout the world for NASA’s Apollo space missions that eventually put man on the moon for the first time in history.

We stopped at the northernmost point of Florida’s Space Coast—the town of Cape Canaveral, where space tourism and beach tourism combine to provide an unforgettable experience. As we were on a mix of both pleasure and business, however, we immediately sought out a boat to rent for today’s underwater journey.

Once we secured one, we got to work loading our gear from the trailer into the boat. To avoid confusion and clutter, not only are the swim fins and masks hooked to the belt of the harness, our names are marked on the backs of the harnesses so we do not end up wearing someone else’s kit. We then started on our way, into the Atlantic Ocean.

As we continued on our way, we were able to get a glimpse of houses lined along the streets, not far from the Space Coast’s gorgeous beaches. These streets bear the names of past U.S. Presidents, the greats and not-so-greats among them: Washington Avenue. Adams. Jefferson. Eventually ending with Harding.

“Huh. Coulda sworn Van Buren would get his due,” Wally said before letting out his familiar, ear-pleasing laugh, noting the absence of his own street.

Further along the coast, the beaches were endless, although the places had different names. Cocoa Beach? Satellite Beach? Melbourne Beach, just a drive away from the city of Melbourne? It’s all good. You get to enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes.

I made certain to check my gear to ensure everything was operational. I took a breath from the regulator and found no problems. While everyone else was testing their tanks and regulators, I went into the cabin to plot out a course for ourselves using a nautical map.

Now, Cape Canaveral itself is not an ideal place for diving. Consulting the guidebook, I had two options: either explore a natural reef twenty miles out of Port Canaveral in an area called Pelican Flats, or explore the wrecked Dutch steamship Laertes, the Allied cargo vessel sunk by a German U-109 in May 1942. We couldn’t tackle both at once, as those two were a mile apart. As I looked further through the book to see if there were other reefs, it turned out there are plenty of other wrecks along the waters off A1A, some of them much, much older.

My mind was made up: we would be exploring a reef that day. …Or at least, I thought! Maybe some of the gang wanted a change of scene early. If there were other natural reefs along the coast, they were hard to come by. So, I told them we’d go to the reef.

After agreeing amongst ourselves on 90 feet for 40 minutes with a seven-minute decompression stop, we geared up for our journey into the depths in our familiar way: tanks secured to harnesses; harnesses worn and buckled securely; fins snugly worn; mask lenses spat-at-and-rinsed before donning; regulators being given a final check.

art by Kandlin

After a final safety briefing and the dropping of the anchor line, we were about to back-roll into the ocean when an Atlantic flyingfish flew up from the water and landed right on Breezly’s lap. We all had a terrific laugh over it, even after Breezly non-chalantly threw the fish back in the ocean, toward where the little fella had hoped to go.

“We could’ve had some lunch!” Lippy laughed. “Why’d you throw it back?”

“I didn’t want to punish him for one simple mistake!” Breezly replied with a warm smile to match his warm heart.

After that slight delay, we back-rolled into the water and slowly followed the anchor line down to the ocean floor, right next to where the reef was located.

Immediately the ten of us split up into several groups, giving us several times the opportunities for fun things to happen, though the feeling of water against one’s skin or fur is always a source of delight, regardless of the results of these dives.

One thing we noticed was that the reef was not a coral reef as some of us had hoped. Instead, we found plenty of short seagrass, an important source of nutrition for some of the aquatic life. The lack of coral gave me the first impression that the reef resembled a formation of mossy rocks and boulders one would perhaps find in the woods.

On the ocean floor nearby, Hardy swam close to what appeared to be a small, wide formation. It looked like it was a little smooth to the touch, unlike coral, so he brushed a few fingers along the length. The “formation” moved slightly, causing Hardy to jump back a little. The thing Hardy touched was a Florida sea cucumber, one of many such invertebrates found along Florida’s waters. To reassure Hardy, Lippy gently picked it up and showed its underside, with its many rows of tube feet, and the oral tentacles on the front side. Hardy nodded, having fully understood.

Meanwhile, Hokey and Wally, apparently not yet over their hunger pangs, scoped out a sizable group of lobsters congregating beneath a portion of the reef. With no net with which to catch them, and no way to bring them back, lest they carry it with them throughout the dive and even the decompression stop, they were at a loss. Even so, they were not about to be defeated.

Hokey beckoned for Loopy to swim over. Once Loopy joined the pair, Hokey pointed to the lobsters that were taking cover, then rubbed his belly to communicate everyone’s favorite language—food.

Loopy looked at Hokey quizzically, pointing up to the surface: did Hokey really intend to take his dinner up to the boat? When Hokey and Wally nodded in the affirmative, Loopy shook his head, not wanting anything to do with it.

Wally, however, had a plan, and he started to take off Loopy’s scarf, despite the wolf’s objections. Once Hokey got into the mess, Loopy had no chance. He then laid down one end of the scarf by the lobsters, waiting on one of them to take the bait. It didn’t take long, as one of them gripped the scarf.

Excitedly, Hokey pulled the scarf out, but the lobster, sensing what was happening, let go and rejoined the others.

Wally laid out the bait again, but before a lobster could hook onto it, Loopy, disgruntled, snatched the scarf away and swam far from them in order to put it back on. So much for lunch.

Meanwhile, our camera-octopus, Squiddly, located a gorgeous queen angelfish swimming alongside me. The somewhat fluorescent-looking colors on its body make it stand out from most of the other fish. Getting to experience seeing one up close is exciting enough, but when about a dozen more show up in the vicinity, you get worried about whether or not you actually loaded the film into the camera!

Some of the others were able to witness a loggerhead sea turtle swim by them. Mildew started off by following it, with Loopy instinctively joining his lupine companion. Soon, Lippy and Hardy were on the chase as well, though I do believe they just wanted to pet it. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand why they couldn’t just get it over with and form a conga line.

I followed Magilla and Breezly when they decided to stray a little from the reef. We had reached a sandy area where the two of them went fish-watching, without any of the others getting in the way.

We were able to witness a group of African pompanos on their way to the reef. While the juveniles prefer to go where the ocean currents lead them, adults prefer the coastline, in depths of up to 100 meters.

Outside of that, we were unable to find many fish of interest, outside of a solitary cocoa damselfish that swam right between the polar bear’s and gorilla’s bodies. The two of them turned around in unison just as the fish passed them; perhaps those two should have signed up for synchronized swimming instead.

We were about to rejoin the group when we saw what appeared to be a large school of fish—at least from a distance. As they drew ever closer, however, we realized they weren’t fish, but a group of about three dozen manta rays swimming towards us and above us. We quickly turned around, kicking our legs as quickly as we could, swim fins waving up and down, so that we could alert the others. We were going to get a chance to swim along with the rays.

art by Enookie

Squiddly got in front of us so he could capture this epic scene. I positioned the other camera at a different angle, and we were on our way.

As we followed the group of rays, we were awestruck by the graceful movement of their pectoral fins. Taken individually, it’s a gorgeous sight, but to witness over thirty of them doing it was like viewing real-life natural art.

Mildew had the right idea when he swam the backstroke. The rays’ movements, combined with the limited light of the sun, made for the best viewing experience.

The mantas have a pair of horn-like cephalic fins on either side of their mouth. When the manta forages for food, these fins flatten in order to channel food into their mouths. At the surface they will feed on zooplankton such as shrimp and krill. At deeper depths such as these, they will feed on small or medium-sized fish.

As were were approaching a variety of fish, we had no choice but to let them be. Squiddly kept filming, yet kept a safe distance. As the rays fed on the sundry fish, I discovered, while editing this film for broadcast, that one of the rays may very have well feasted on that same cocoa damselfish Magilla and Breezly saw earlier. That’s the way life goes for an animal: one day you’re minding your own business, and the next day you’re gone. I would talk about life’s fleeting mortality, but that’s for some other show. It was time for us to ascend, anyway.

In deep dives, nitrogen starts to accumulate in the diver’s body. If a diver ascends like one usually would in a relatively shallow swimming pool, these nitrogen gases could turn into bubbles, thereby causing decompression sickness, which can be potentially fatal.

To help relieve the pressure, the diver’s ascent must be approximately thirty feet per minute. Depending on the details of the dive, a decompression stop may also be necessary fifteen feet from the surface. In this case, because of a 90-foot dive for 40 minutes, our wait was seven minutes. Even in dives at shorter depths, precautionary safety stops of three minutes may be required.

Because of the potential for danger, it is advised that dives are planned carefully. Use the most conservative figures when consulting dive tables. Know how much air you have, and do not plan lengthy dives if you don’t have the air to do a safety or decompression stop.

Squiddly Diddly, bless him, doesn’t have those disadvantages we mammals have. While we waited to ascend again, the good old octopus took the time to take one last tour of Pelican Flats, showcasing all its flora and fauna in its glory, however fleeting it may be. Who knows—maybe the fish Squiddly caught on camera could be the next to be swallowed up by a manta ray!

After the decompression stop, we made our final ascent to the boat, where we climbed out of the ocean, one at a time. Some of us laid back, gear still on, a little worn out from overstimulation.

“All those wasted years of trying to catch lambs,” Mildew chuckled. “Now this is living!”

“Who woulda thought? Swimming with manta rays!” Magilla said giddily, removing the gear one piece at a time and drying himself off.

“I think all of us needed that spark in our lives where we truly got to experience something special,” said I, stacking my fins and mask together as Squiddly climbed back onto the boat, the last to do so. “We’ve all forgotten how much of a thrill life could be. All we’ve been doing before is trying to survive.”

Lippy and Hardy, having known the feeling for years, nodded in agreement.

I slowly arose from the ledge and walked to the cabin. “All right. Let’s get this boat back, we get the gear back in, get our tanks refilled, and then finally we relax. I hear there are some good seafood places here.”

“How about a lobster?” Hokey said, smiling, eager for something exquisite.

“Me, too!” Wally added.

“Eh, we’ll see,” I said with a laugh, and the others were pretty much amused.

Once back on shore, we got the tanks refilled and all the gear loaded back onto the trailer. We bade farewell to Cape Canaveral and continued further south along A1A. Although Cape Canaveral isn’t a haven for divers, what we did see was good enough to warrant a visit, and the beaches are still very exquisite. If you would like to get to know NASA’s space program up-close and get wet and sandy—preferably not at the same time—set aside some time to visit the Space Coast.

Although we never got a chance to explore the Laertes shipwreck, a greater opportunity arose pre-dive when I learned of an early 18th-century Spanish ship, part of the doomed 1715 Treasure Fleet that transported goods and treasure from Spain’s territories back to the mainland. In our next episode, in which we travel to Florida’s Treasure Coast, we will explore one of those ships lost to a hurricane, the Urca de Lima, and perhaps come away with some treasure of our own.

#underwater america #scuba diving #peter potamus #fanfic #sohannabarberaesque #magilla gorilla #squiddly diddly #breezly bruin #hokey wolf #wally gator #lippy the lion #hardy har har #mildew wolf #loopy de loop #submission

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leslieslane · 2 years

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I love Mexican cuisine and Filo's was right on point!!! While Tony selected a burrito, I reveled in the tasty street tacos! Words cannot adequately express what I have to say about this phenomenal property! I feel like I’ve landed on a slice of HEAVEN!!! I’m at The Equestrian Hotel at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida and it is simply AMAZING. I am here on assignment! Please follow me over the next several days as I post to social media! Stay tuned for my article! But you don’t have to wait for my piece to make reservations! Click on this link: https://equestrianhotel.com/. Check out this website to see many of my articles! https://muckrack.com/leslieslane/articles #LesliesLane #LuxuryHotel #Relax #LuxuryResort #Fodors #FodorsOnTheGo #Travel #Travelgram #travelphotography #traveltheworld #love @TheEquestrianHotel @WEC #WorldEquestrianHotel @WorldEquestrianCenter #Equestrian #Equestrians #EquestrianLife #VisitFlorida @VisitFlorida @OcalaMarion @RobertsDesigns #vacation #travelblogger #STAYcation #Art #HotelArt #Sponsored #luxury @LesliesLane (at The Equestrian Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbYachULGbN/?utm_medium=tumblr

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gystink · 3 years

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Request for Qualifications: The City of San José/ Santa Clara Valley - Capitol Light Rail Extension (USA)

Santa Clara Valley - Capitol Light Rail Extension 200 East Santa Clara Street, 12th Floor San José, CA 95113 APPLY NOW Contact Email: [email protected] Call Type: Public Art Eligibility: National State: California Entry Deadline: 7/2/21

REQUIREMENTS: Media Images - Minimum: 8, Maximum: 8 Video - Minimum: 0, Maximum: 1 Total Media - Minimum: 8, Maximum: 9

View Site Details

INVITATION TO SUBMIT QUALIFICATIONS Submission Deadline: Friday, July 2, 2021,10:59 p.m. Pacific Time (11:59 p.m. Mountain Time) Downloadable RFQ and Addendum 1 available for download here: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/office-of-cultural-affairs/public-art/for-artists

I. BACKGROUND

Eastridge to BART Regional Connector (EBRC) is the last phase of the larger Capitol Expressway Transit Improvement Project that transforms San Jose’s Capitol Expressway into a multi-modal boulevard offering Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), light rail transit, and safe connections to the regional transit system.

This 2.4-mile extension of VTA’s light rail “Orange Line” will extend from the Alum Rock Station (on Capitol Avenue) to the Eastridge Transit Center (on Capitol Expressway). The extension will be constructed on an elevated track operating in the median of Capitol Expressway and includes two new stations. At Story Road plans include an elevated station that will be accessed by a pedestrian bridge. The Eastridge Transit Center, one of the busiest hubs in VTA’s transit network, will acquire a new ground-level station. Work at this location will also include an expansion of the existing Park-and-Ride. The overall project also includes new traction power substations at Ocala Avenue and Eastridge Transit Center.

When complete, VTA riders will be able to board light rail at the Eastridge Station, and connect directly with BART at Milpitas Station, the northernmost BART station in Santa Clara County.

II. PUBLIC ART PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES

Public Art will be an important feature of the EBRC Project distinguishing VTA as a visible and significant part of the city landscape. Public Art will also contribute to the vibrancy of the cityscape, promote neighborhood pride by strengthening the unique character of the individual stations as landmarks, create engaging experiences for pedestrians and transit users, and reinforce intuitive wayfinding.

The primary opportunities for artwork are located at the Story Road and Eastridge Transit Center stations. These sites allow for both discrete sculpture as well as integrated plaza enhancements. While VTA is open to receiving recommendation for other opportunities within the overall budget, and without impact to project schedule, the final site selection shall be at VTA’s sole discretion.

Story Road: Commuters from the surrounding community connecting to downtown San José, or BART at the Milpitas Station will be the predominate users of Story Station. The street level pedestrian area at the Southeast and Southwest drop off zone has been initially (although not exclusively) identified as the primary public art site.

Eastridge Transit Station: Eastridge Transit Station is an end-of-the line station. It is adjacent to the busy Eastridge Mall, in proximity to Lake Cunningham Recreation Area, and will be one of the busiest stations in San José. Here the Park-and-Ride is being reconfigured, offering opportunities to distinguish the adjoining plaza.

Additional context (e.g. site overview of the transit line, renderigs of the stations, existing photos, etc.), for reference are available in the "View Floor/ Site Plan" link provided above, and attached to the downloadable RFQ as Appendix I. We are seeking 2 artists/artist teams (one for each site) with diverse skill in object making, material integration, and community outreach and engagement. A wide range of artistic approaches is acceptable for these opportunities, but ultimately the work must be appropriate for conditions of an exterior installation.

III. ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is open to individual artists or artist-led teams working and living in the United States. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have all necessary documentation and permits to work in the United States at the time of submittal of qualifications. If submitting as a team, a professional artist must be the lead team member.

To be eligible, artists must demonstrate experience developing and implementing projects in public space with a budget of $200,000 or greater.

Note: one of these commissions will be reserved for Bay Area region artists defined as artists living and working in one of the following counties: Alameda; Contra Costa; Marin; Napa; Santa Clara; Santa Cruz, San Francisco; Sonoma, Solano, and San Mateo.

IV. PROJECT BUDGET & SCOPE

There are two discrete opportunities. The total budget of each project shall not exceed $450,000, which includes all expenses related to the research, community outreach, design, fabrication, delivery and installation of artwork as follows:

Artist Fee: $70,000 for completion of the following:

Research and investigation including, but not limited to, review of background documents and data to understand the EBRC design documents, project area, and community.

Community outreach and engagement, including discussion with key stakeholders and public meetings with community members for the purpose of understanding the diverse community, their goals and values. The engagement process is intended to build community awareness, stewardship, and provide input and feedback for creative inspiration. Based on COVID-19, artist will work with VTA and SJPA to co-create a virtual process as appropriate based on health guidelines.

Preparation of concept, schematic, and design development proposals including: dimensioned plans and elevations describing the artwork design, installation plan, colors, materials, fabrication processes, costs, schedule (from fabrication through installation), and maintenance specifications. Artists will also provide renderings, models and other visual material to adequately illustrate how the artwork will appear when installed.

Presenting the design proposal to project stakeholders including, key community stakeholders, the VTA, and San José Public Art Committee for approvals.

Based on the approved Design Development Proposal, preparing construction documents and specifications (CDs”) for the artwork. Artist will be responsible to provide the services of all licensed design professionals, engineers, fabricators, installers, and other consultants, as needed, to ensure artwork’s code compliance, structural integrity, and durability.

Fabrication and Installation: Up to $350,000 for each location may be allocated for fabrication and installation as determined by the approved Design Development Proposal including, but not limited to: off site fabrication; transportation to site, and final installation; developing comprehensive operation and maintenance specifications, required staff training, and preparing final as-built documentation.

Contingency: In addition to the fabrication and installation budget a contingency of $30,000 is set aside to cover unanticipated costs that are the result of critical, unforeseen circumstances, which impact the artist’s ability to deliver the Project within budget. The VTA retains unused contingency funds and must approve of the use of them.

V. CONTRACT

The Artist will enter into a three-party agreement between VTA and the City of San José. The Exemplar agreement is attached as Appendix II to the downloadable RFQ available online at the City of San Jose Public Art Program website "For Artists": https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/office-of-cultural-affairs/public-art/for-artists

Artists are asked to review this contract prior to submitting for this project and refer any questions to SJPA staff or to your own legal counsel as necessary. If you cannot access this agreement via the Internet, please request a copy be mailed to you prior to the submittal deadline so you may review it in advance of your application. Final award shall be contingent upon selected artist/team accepting Terms and Conditions of the agreement in conformity to the terms listed in the referenced document. City reserves the right to accept an offer in full, or in part, or to reject all offers. The selected artist must comply with any local business licensing requirements including any local Business Tax requirements and will be required to obtain Automobile Insurance and General Liability Insurance coverage in conformance with requirements as directed in the three-party agreement.

VI. PROJECT SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE*

RFQ advertised Monday, April 26, 2021

RFQ Submittal Deadline July 2, 2021

Artist Selection July 2021

Contracting August 2021

Research & Concept/Schematic Development September - November 2021

Concept/Schematic Proposal Review December 7, 2021

Design Development December 2021 – January 2022

Design Development Proposal Review February 1, 2021

Construction Documentation February – March 2022

Fabrication, Installation, and Completion TBD - prior to Winter 2025

* This is a typical schedule; dates may be subject to change.

VII. SELECTION PROCESS

There will be a two-phase selection process:

Short List: A selection panel will review artist qualifications, statement of interest, and past work examples with the goal of selecting 4 - 6 finalist artists for interviews. Qualifications, work samples and statement of interest must be submitted through CaFÉ™ per instructions below. Artists need only submit once and will be considered for both opportunities. NOTE: Specific proposals are not requested and will not be reviewed at this time.

Finalist Interviews: Interviews will be conducted virtually and will focus on prior experience of the artist/team; artists’ conceptual approach to developing artwork for specific sites; and strategies for creative virtual community engagement.

VIII. RFQ SCHEDULE

The following is the schedule for the artist selection process:

RFQ advertised Monday, April 26, 2021

Last date to submit questions/objections Friday, May 7, 2021

RFQ Closing Date Friday, July 2, 2021

Selection Panel / Short listing Week of July 12, 2021

Artist Interviews and Selection Week of August 1, 2021

Once selected and contracted, a site visit will be scheduled for commissioned artists to begin site investigations. The timing of this activity will be based on COVID-19 status, design development priorities, and other goals as determined collaboratively with artists.

IX. QUALIFICATION SUBMITTAL

Qualifications, work samples, and statements of interest shall be submitted through CaFÉ™ in accordance with the instructions below; there are no exceptions.

Staff will preview all submissions for completeness prior to Selection Committee review and may reject incomplete or non-responsive submissions.

While submittal through CaFÉ is free to artists, any other potential costs associated with responding to this request are to be borne by the Artist.

X. SELECTION CRITERIA

Aesthetic excellence of past projects; appropriateness of prior concepts as they relate to EBRC project goals and opportunity.

Experience and/or interest in creating public artworks in collaboration with stakeholder group.

Interest in innovating virtual and/or socially distant community engagement strategies.

Experience developing artworks in outdoor environments.

Experience in construction materials and methods appropriate to the scope of the project.

Demonstrated ability to manage projects on time and on budget.

Demonstrated delivery of projects with similar budgets: Artists must demonstrate experience developing and implementing projects in public space with a budget of $200,000 or greater.

Experience working with a government agency.

XI. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Submissions (described below) must be received as a complete application in CaFÉ™ by no later than 10:59 p.m. (PST) 11:59 p.m. (MST) on Friday, July 2, 2021.

Note: 10:59 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) is the same as 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST), the time zone in which CaFÉ™, the host for online submittal is located; CaFÉ™ will automatically stop accepting submittals.)

Please make sure you have started your application with time to ask questions, particularly if you have not used CaFÉ™ previously. Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

APPLICATION PROCESS: All materials will be submitted online, via CaFÉ™ website (www.callforentry.org). There is no application fee to apply or to use the CaFÉ™ online application system.

To view the application, go to www.callforentry.org, register a username and password, navigate to “Apply to Calls”, and search the list for “Santa Clara Valley – Capitol Light Rail Extension”

Assistance in using the CaFÉ™ system is available during regular business hours via e-mail at [email protected].

XII. REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

The application submission must include the information and materials described below all of which are required to constitute a complete application. Please review carefully as incomplete applications will not be eligible for consideration and will not be reviewed.

Images of Past Work: Submission must include visual representations of past artwork that demonstrate your qualifications for this project. In order to be considered for this project, the applicant must submit a total of 8 digital images that represent no more than 5 previously completed projects. Proposal images from prior projects may be submitted, but should be clearly marked as proposals and cannot be more than 2 of the requested 8 images. All images are to be submitted electronically through the CaFÉ™ system. Instructions on how to format images to CaFÉ™ specifications can be found on the CaFÉ™ website under Image Prep.

Descriptions of Past Work: Submission must include a list of the submitted project images with descriptions that clearly explain both the projects and images. More specifically, each image must include the following: a) artwork title; b) date of completion; c) location; d) dimensions; e) significant materials; f) budget and g) relevant conceptual and/or contextual description. If you were the member of a team or otherwise worked with other artists on a project you are submitting for consideration, please clearly state your actual role in the creation of the work.

Statement of Interest in in this project: What specifically interests you about this project? What interests you in the site or site opportunities? Do you have specific interests as an artist that you feel align well with a project of this nature?

Stakeholder Engagement/Community Outreach: What is your public art experience collaborating with clients and communities? Given issues associated with COVID-19, how might you approach community outreach?

Résumé: Submission shall include a current résumé that outlines your professional accomplishments as an artist (maximum of 5000 characters/equivalent of 2 pages; if a team, then 3000 character maximum for each team member.)

Application for Completeness: Please confirm that your application includes all the required materials listed below:

Images (no more than 8 images representing no more than 5 projects)

Past Work - Image Description Detail

Statement of Interest

Stakeholder Engagement/Community Outreach

Résumé (5000 characters/2 page maximum)

Reviewed the three-party VTA, City of San José, Public Artist agreement as recommended

XIII. EVALUATING APPLICATIONS

A. Responsiveness of Applications: An application that is not current, accurate and/or completed in accordance with the requirements of this RFQ will be deemed non-responsive and will be eliminated by the City from further consideration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City reserves the right to waive minor irregularities in an Application.

B. Supplemental Information: The City reserves the right to require any or all Artists to provide supplemental information clarifying the submitted materials.

C. Consideration of Information Outside the Application: The City has the right to conduct a further and independent investigation of the information provided in an application. This includes contacting and speaking with references. The evaluation panel may use any relevant information gathered by such investigation – and any other information that comes to the attention of the City – to evaluate an Artist.

XIV. COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING THIS RFQ FOR SUBMISSIONS

A. Submitting a Question or Objection: Artists must submit any questions and/or objections to this RFQ to the Contact Person: Mary Rubin, Senior Project Manager: [email protected]

B. Questions and/or objections must be submitted via email. Contacting any City representative(s) other than the Contact Person about this RFQ is prohibited and is grounds for disqualification.

C. Content of Question or Objection: Artist submitting an objection must describe the objection as specifically as possible and set forth the rationale for the objection, including the section number and paragraph title at issue.

C. Deadline for Submitting a Question and/or Objection: Artists must submit any questions or objections no later than the Deadline for Submitting Questions and/or Objections as noted in the schedule referenced in Section VIII above.

E. City’s Issuance of Addenda, Notices and Answers to Questions: The City will post all addenda and notices regarding this RFQ. The City may provide a written response to any question(s) and/or objection(s) in the form of a single answer or by issuing an addendum.

F. Artists are Responsible for Checking CaFÉ™: The addenda, notices and answers to questions issued by the City become part of this RFQ. Each Artist is responsible for checking the City of San José Public Art Program website’s “For Artist” for addenda, notices and answers to questions. In the event an Artist obtains this RFQ through any means other than to CaFÉ™, the City will not be responsible for the completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the final RFQ document.

G. Relying on Other Written or Oral Statements Prohibited: Artists can rely only on this RFQ and any subsequent addenda, notices and answers issued by the City. Artists cannot rely on any other written or any oral statements of the City or its officers, Directors, employees or agents regarding the Project or the RFQ.

XV. PROTESTS

A. If an interested party wants to dispute the award recommendation, they must submit their protest in writing to the City’s Public Art Director no later than five (5) business days after the Recommendation of Award is approved by the San José Public Art Committee, detailing the grounds, factual basis, and providing all supporting information. Protests will not be considered for disputes of requirements or specifications, which must be addressed in accordance with the Objections Section above. Failure to submit a timely written protest to the contact listed below will bar consideration of the protest.

B. Protests must be addressed to the following:

Office of Cultural Affairs Attention: Michael Ogilvie 200 E. Santa Clara Street San José, CA 95113

C. Grounds for which No Protest is Allowed: There is no right to protest based on the following:

Incomplete (non-responsive) applications;

Late submission of applications; or

A dispute regarding the application requirements and/or specifications that could have been addressed by submitting a question and/or objection in accordance with Section XIV.

D. Director’s Decision: The Director or an appropriate designee of the Director will issue a written decision on any protest. The Director, or designee, may base the decision on the written protest alone or may informally gather evidence from the Artist filing the protest or any other person having relevant information. The Director’s decision is final.

XVI. GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION

A. All Artists are expected to have read and understand the "Procurement and Contract Process Integrity and Conflict of Interest", Section 7 of the Consolidated Open Government and Ethics Provisions adopted on August 26, 2014. A complete copy of the Resolution 77135 can be found here. Any Artist who violates the Policy will be subject to disqualification. Generally, the grounds for disqualification include:

Contact regarding this procurement with any City official or employee or Evaluation team other than the Procurement Contact from the time of issuance of this solicitation until the end of the protest period.

Evidence of collusion, directly or indirectly, among Artists in regard to the amount, terms, or conditions of this proposal.

Influencing any City staff member or evaluation team member throughout the solicitation process, including the development of specifications.

Evidence of submitting incorrect information in the response to a solicitation or misrepresent or fail to disclose material facts during the evaluation process.

B. In addition to violations of Process Integrity Guidelines, the following conduct may also result in disqualification:

Offering gifts or souvenirs, even of minimal value, to City officers or employees.

Existence of any lawsuit, unresolved contractual claim or dispute between Artist and the City.

Evidence of Artist’s inability to successfully complete the responsibilities and obligations of the proposal.

Artist’s default under any contract, resulting in termination of such contract.

XVII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

A. City’s Right to Terminate Process: The City reserves the right to terminate this RFQ at any time.

B. Costs of Preparing Submittal: Artist bears all costs associated with its efforts in responding to this RFQ.

C. Gifts Prohibited: Chapter 12.08 of the San José Municipal Code generally prohibits a City officer or designated employee from accepting any gift(s). The Artist selected as a result of this RFQ will be required to comply with Chapter 12.08 accessible here.

D. By submitting a response to this RFQ, the Artist represents that:

It is familiar with the requirements of Chapter 12.08, and

It has complied with, and throughout the remainder of this application process will continue to comply with, the requirements of Chapter 12.08.

The Artist’s failure to comply with Chapter 12.08 at any time during this process is a ground for disqualification.

E. Discrimination: It is the City’s policy that the selected Artist shall not discriminate, in any way, against any person on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, actual or perceived gender identity, disability, ethnicity, or national origin, in connection with or related to the performance of City of San José contracts.

F. Public Nature of Submissions: All applications and submissions and other correspondence with the City regarding this RFQ become the exclusive property of the City and become public records under the California Public Records Act (California Government Code section 6250 et seq.) All submissions and other correspondence will be subject to the following requirements:

The City has a substantial interest in not disclosing submissions during the evaluation process. For this reason, the City will not disclose any part of the Application before it issues the Final Notice of selection. After issuance of the Final Notice of selection, all submissions will be subject to public disclosure.

There are a limited number of exceptions to the disclosure requirements under the Public Records Act, such as for trade secret information. The City is not in a position to determine what information in a submission, if any, may be subject to one of these exceptions. Accordingly, if an Artist believes that any specific portion of its submission is exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act, the Artist must mark the portion of the submission as such and state the specific provision in the Act that provides the exemption and the factual basis for claiming the exemption. For example, if an Artist believes a submission contains trade secret information, the Artist must plainly mark the information as “Trade Secret” and refer to the appropriate section of the Public Records Act, which provides the exemption for such information and the factual basis for claiming the exemption.

If a request is made for information in a submission that an Artist has properly marked as exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act (e.g. information that the Artist has marked as “Confidential”, “Trade Secret” or “Proprietary”), the City will provide the Artist with reasonable notice of the request and the opportunity to seek protection from disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction. It will be the Artist’s sole responsibility to seek such protection from a court.

Any submission that contains language attempting to make all or significant portions of the submission exempt from disclosure or that fails to provide the exemption information required above will be considered a public record in its entirety. Therefore, do not mark your entire submission as “confidential,” “trade secret,” or “proprietary.”

G. Environmentally Preferable Procurement Policy: The City has adopted an “Environmentally Preferable Procurement” (EPP) policy. The goal is to encourage the procurement of products and services that help to minimize the environmental impact resulting from the use and disposal of these products. These products include, but are not limited to, those that contain recycled content, conserve energy or water, minimize waste or reduce the amount of toxic material used and disposed. Computers and other electronics are a growing focus of environmentally preferable purchasing activities due to their high prominence in the waste stream, their numerous hazardous chemical constituents, and their significant energy use. Moreover, when these products are improperly disposed of they can release hazardous substances that pollute the environment.

In support of this policy, the selected Artist will be required to work with the City to apply this policy where it is feasible to do so. In addition, Artists should address any environmental considerations with their proposal response.

The entire EPP policy may be found in the City’s internet site here.

H. Unfair Competitive Advantage:

The City seeks applications for this RFQ through a competitive, impartial process in which all Artists are treated fairly. An Artist that has an actual or apparent unfair competitive advantage jeopardizes the integrity of the competitive process.

A number of different situations can give rise to an actual or apparent unfair competitive advantage. Most commonly, an actual or apparent unfair competitive advantage arises because the Artist has unequal access to nonpublic information or unique insight into the scope of work. Whether an unfair competitive advantage exists depends on the specific facts of each situation.

The existence of an unfair competitive advantage is a basis for the City to disqualify an Artist’s participation in this RFQ. If the City determines that an Artist is disqualified because of the existence of an unfair competitive advantage, it will provide the Artist with a written statement of the facts leading to its conclusion that an unfair competitive advantage exists. The Artist may protest the determination in accordance with Section XII of this Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section XII, the Artist shall submit its written protest no later than 5 business days after the date of the City’s letter of disqualification.

The Artist represents that before submitting a response to the RFQ it investigated and considered the issue of potential unfair competitive advantage, including considering any subconsultants it has worked with. By submitting a response to the RFQ, the Artist further acknowledges that performing the work resulting from this RFQ potentially could be the basis of creating an actual or apparent unfair competitive advantage for any future work. The City strongly advises Artists to consult with their legal counsel regarding these issues.

I. Disqualification of Former Employees

Chapter 12.10 of the City’s Municipal Code generally prohibits a former City officer or “designated employee”, as defined in Chapter 12.10, from providing services to the City connected with his/her former duties or official responsibilities. The Artist selected as a result of this process will be prohibited from either directly or indirectly using any former City officer or designated employee to perform services in violation of Chapter 12.10.

By submitting a response to this RFQ, the Artist represents that:

It is familiar with the requirements of Chapter 12.10, and

Its response to this RFQ does not contemplate the use of any former City officer or designated employee in violation of Chapter 12.10.

The Artist’s failure to comply with Chapter 12.10 at any time during this application process is a ground for disqualification

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have all necessary documentation and permits to work in the United States at the time of submittal of qualifications.

The City of San José reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject any or all applications, proposals, applicants, or projects, and to modify or terminate the application process or the selection process for any reason and without prior notice.

Applicant agrees that any and all materials submitted pursuant to this Application for entry become the property of the City of San José and shall not be returned to Applicant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant shall retain all copyright in the work, which may be held by Applicant.

If selected for a public art commission, Applicant will be required to enter into an Special Purchase Demand with the City of San José and will be required to comply with any relevant requirements, including but not limited to permits, licensing and/or insurance coverage requirements (if any).

Scope of Work and Form of Terms is attached to this PDF version of the RFQ as an Exemplar Agreement.

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RFQ:

Please contact Mary Rubin via email at [email protected] if you have questions about the project. No calls please. Any pertinent questions submitted prior to Friday, May 7, 2021, will be addressed by an addendum and posted on City website here: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/office-of-cultural-affairs/public-art/for-artists

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT CaFÉ™: Please contact CaFÉ™ at [email protected].

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longlistshort · 3 years

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For more of Justin Alsedek’s work check out his website.

If you are looking for more information about the arts in Ocala/Marion County, check out Marion County Alliance and their gallery Brick City Center for the Arts.

#street art #murals #justin alsedek #florida street art #ocala street art #marion county alliance #brick city center for the arts #brick gallery #florida #ocala #street art florida

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ocalapost · 3 years

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https://www.ocalapost.com/natures-beauty-seeing-and-feeling-exhibit/

Nature's Beauty: Seeing and Feeling exhibit

Photo; Ocala Post

January Opening Artists' Reception "Nature's Beauty: Seeing & Feeling" 5-6 pm A c Collective Art Exhibit Featuring Paintings by Dr. Jillian Ramsammy & Photography by Dr. Saul Reyes Brick City Center for the Arts 23 SW Broadway Street Ocala, Florida

#events #art

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naturecoaster · 7 months

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Florida Wildlife Corridor Mural Unveiling

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nightmare-afton-cosplay · 4 years

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Florida Flash: Beautiful Midcentury Home Designed by Paul Rudolph Sells in No Time

realtor.com

The renowned architect Paul Rudolph was one of the leading lights in midcentury modern architecture in southwest Florida. One of the homes he designed, at 3901 Riverview Boulevard in Bradenton, FL, was only briefly on the market before a buyer snapped it up.

Listed for $395,000, the home went into pending status after just 10 days on the market.

Known as the Bennett Residence, the two-bedroom home measures in 1,945 square feet and sits on a third of an acre.

Allen and Barbara Bennett built the home between 1949 and 1951, using native and modern materials and incorporating the design principles of the Sarasota School of Architecture.

Also known as Sarasota Modern, the postwar architecture popular near Sarasota, FL, is known for open-plan designs, usually with large walls of windows that take advantage of natural light and ventilation.

This home has an Ocala block fireplace and accent walls made of Florida limestone, popular in midcentury homes. Rudolph is said to have appreciated the material’s unique aesthetic and variegated coloring, and the fact that there was no need to paint it.

Exterior

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Exterior

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Interior

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Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell, with whom he often worked in the 1950s, are known as the founders of the Sarasota School of Architecture. Rudolph left some notable examples of his work throughout Florida. We featured one on Seabreeze Drive across the state in Delray Beach, FL, when it went on the market in 2017.

This home was renovated by the architect and writer Joseph King, author of “Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses.” The current owner purchased the home from King in 2011 for $175,000.

Interior

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Red cypress wood is used in almost every wall in the home, including an appealing artist’s studio. There are no stairs in the home, the walls are low, and the roof is flat, all of which is characteristic of the architectural style.

Studio

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Outside, native plants and fruit trees provide privacy and hide the home from the street, and also frame the backyard.

Courtyard

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Rudolph built more than two dozen homes in the area. His brutalist design for the Art and Architecture Building at Yale University attracted considerable controversy, and he left Florida in 1958 to serve as chair of Yale’s architecture department. He died in 1997.

Bedroom

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Bedroom

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Kitchen

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Exterior

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The post Florida Flash: Beautiful Midcentury Home Designed by Paul Rudolph Sells in No Time appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/paul-rudolph-mid-century-bradenton-home-sells/

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pediatricdentistsocalafl · 4 years

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Pediatric Dentists Ocala FL — the Best Care for Children

Narducci Dental Group, P. A. offers a full slate of services for the kids. Pediatric dentists Ocala FL is dedicated to maintain good oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. They have the experience and qualifications to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood. They offer general dentistry such as regular cleanings, and cosmetic dentistry services such as Envisaging. They can also apply sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, as these can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush, in order to prevent decay. For those who play a contact sport for school or another youth organization, they can custom design and fit mouth guards to prevent damage to the teeth.

At Narducci Dental Group, Pediatric dentists Ocala FL understand that some little ones may have some anxieties when comes to the dentist. They try and make a visit to the dentist a fun and educational experience for all pediatric patients. They recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they “seal” the deep grooves in your child’s teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at child's regular checkups.

Child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Pediatric dentists Ocala FL success is powered by talented professionals and their dedicated to practice dentistry the way they was meant to be practiced; as a art, implementing knowledge, thought, creativity, and detail into the entire patient experience.

Pediatric dentists Ocala FL are so grateful for the privilege to practice on wonderful group of patients in Florida, they make continual efforts to connect with community in outreach projects. These projects are geared towards education of the importance of dental health care and also providing care for indigent populations through mission trips.

For more information: - https://www.narduccidental.com/easy-street-dental

#Pediatric dentists Ocala FL

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damienheads · 5 years

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Florida to Texas

A couple months ago me and a friend I’ve known since school decided to take a road trip across America. Unlike most Brits though, we wanted to try somewhere a little different, so instead of your typical destinations like New York, Las Vegas and California, we chose the deep south - Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas. So just like that, a month and a half after coming up with the idea, we were on our way to the good ole US of A.

Our first stop was Miami, a place we both really wanted to visit. One of the first things you notice about Miami when you get off the plane, is how much Spanish influence there is. Every sign has a Spanish translation underneath, and half the people you hear talking are speaking Spanish. Being Hispanophiles ourselves, we felt right at home. The city itself looked amazing, with beautiful Art Deco style buildings everywhere and a beach that stretched for miles.

We spent the first morning in Miami having a Cuban coffee at a local breakfast joint. From the outside the place looked like a dump, with horrible green looking photos advertising what food they had out the front. However, after closer inspection, we went inside and were pleasantly surprised to find something that looked like it was straight out of a Martin Scorsese film - old school wooden chairs, grainy photos on the wall, and fresh oranges stacked up high on top of a juicer. The coffee was some of the best we’ve both ever had - strong with a touch of sweetness, poured straight into thick, frothy milk. This may sound like a bit of a funny thing to get excited about, but once you try really great coffee, you really never want to go back.

After a day of sightseeing, we then jumped back in the car and headed down to the bottom of Key West, the most southerly point of the US. This part of America is stunning, with beaches everywhere and cool little bars, restaurants and places to visit. A highlight was having my first bowl of acai - a Brazilian dessert made up of berries, nuts, granola, and all sorts of other sweet things, as well as seeing the sun set at one of the few great national parks you can visit there. The remainder of our time spent in Florida, which I could go into great detail with if I didn’t stop myself, included airboating in the Everglades, exploring the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, kayaking in the Ocala National Forest, and visiting both Panama city - a place devastated by a hurricane and taken over by bikers - and our last stop, Pensacola - an immaculate looking city with the most amazing beaches and a really cool looking downtown.

After a night of drinking and stepping into one of the blackest looking bars ever - a place that literally looked like it was out of American Gangster - we were back on the road. The first place we hit outside of Florida was a city called Mobile, in Alabama. Clearly built as a predominantly industrial city, this place you could tell had some serious industry, epitomised by the big shipyard you see when you first arrive in the city. Despite not being that attractive on the whole, the place had some really nice doses of Americana if you went down some of the smaller side streets and avenues, as we did. We decided to stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants they had there - a typical American grill type place, as shown above, serving all sorts of southern style dishes. One of the main things you come across when you first eat this kind of food, is what they call ‘biscuit’, which is actually much more like a savoury British scone. Despite the food being pretty tasty, we decided to move on to our next destination.

After briefly passing through Mississippi - our third state in our trip across America - we ended up in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now this place had some serious style. Despite hearing many good things about New Orleans, I really didn’t know much of what to expect from it. You only really fully get the vibe of what is going on in that place when you first start stepping into the main part of the city - people dressing like they’re from the 70′s with bright colours everywhere, bustling streets with palm trees, and a tram system running straight through the middle of it all. The place is fully alive, like an open heart beating away. And the most exciting time to experience all of this is at night on the famous Bourbon street. Part of the French Quarter, Bourbon street has a long history, and is said to be one of the places that Jazz music really developed. After eating the city’s most famous dish, ‘red beans and rice’, we knocked back a few of the city’s most famous drink, the ironically named ‘Hurricane’ - a sweet cocktail made with rum, lemon juice, and passion fruit syrup. After a few of these we were well and truly buzzing. Hopping from bar to bar, and with live music everywhere, we had an amazing time. This was truly a great place to visit.

Our next stop on our tour across America was the big Lone Star State itself, Texas. Our first call was at the city of Houston. One of the first things you notice when arriving in Texas are the massive oil fields and industry which stretch from miles upon miles. This place has some serious industrial might and is said to have an economy $400 billion bigger than that of Russia ($1.7 trillion in total). The city of Houston reflects this massively, with endless amounts of tall buildings, and restaurants on every corner. The place is not the most beautiful up close, but there are some great little places you can go to. We spent our first night eating at a massive Mexican place called ‘Pappasito’s’ just on the edge of the city, and this place was teeming with life, and the food was great also. However, we had bigger plans in mind. The next day we loaded up the car and headed to where we really wanted to go - the shooting range.

Neither of us had ever shot a gun before, however we were both adamant that this is what we wanted to do; we were in Texas after all. Walking into the place for the first time was surreal; pistols, machine guns, rifles and shotguns, all laid up across the walls as if it were a section of Wallmart - this place was legit. After taking a brief lesson by one of the instructors on how to use a gun, we soon found ourselves on the range with an 8mm pistol. Shooting a gun for the first time is a real experience. It gives you a real adrenaline rush. We both managed a few good shots at a paper target, however, within five minutes or so, it was over. Coming back to the desk of the shooting range, we felt like we still had a little more left in us though, and so after a bit of persuading by both the instructors and ourselves, we decided to give the full automatic machine gun a little pop... Jesus christ... This thing was powerful. Firing a single shot was fine, but once you fully let load on this thing, you really feel the blowback. The shots were a little less clean on this one, however that really didn’t matter. After firing a few rounds on one of these, you truly do feel like a big man!

So we were in Texas, had just shot a pistol, and a machine gun; what was the next best thing we could do? - get a tattoo of course! Another first for me; I had never had a tattoo done in my life. After mooching down what seemed like the tattoo street of Houston, with about six different ones all lined up close to each other, we settled upon one run by a nice enough Filipino guy. After telling him what I wanted, and my budget, he not only offered to do it for a reasonable price, but to do the more complicated, original version also. This could have gone either of two ways - really bad or really well. After analysing him a little while, I decided that he was most likely one of these guys who liked the challenge of doing a really good tattoo and didn’t care too much about the money. How right was I. I ended up with something I was really happy with - a copy of the original Gadsden flag. This was something I associated with in a big way; a symbol of resistance from the original thirteen colonies of America when Britain tried to take away their rights and freedoms - such as what is happening currently with the British government trying to keep Britain locked into the anti-democratic EU.

Our last stop in Texas, and last of the trip, was at the city of Austin. I can honestly say that this was the best place I’ve ever visited in America. Like New Orleans, it was buzzing with energy, except in a totally different way - food vans everywhere, crazy looking shops and restaurants, people dressed like cowboys; this place was the real deal. After booking ourselves into the illustrious Red Roof Inn Plus, we decided to go further down town and visit ‘Barton Springs’. Despite the pool area being shut off, this place was beautiful; a river leading into a lake with great little trails on either side. People fishing, cycling, and even kayaking - this was a great little spot to use up some energy and spend some time with nature. One of the first things you notice about this place is how many turtles there are everywhere, either swimming around the river or lodged at the bottom of a tree somewhere. After a bit of swimming and sightseeing, we headed back to the ole Red Roof.

The next day we went right back near the same spot to a food van park. This place had the most amazing food, including Thai, Italian, Mexican, Venezuelan, as well as your traditional American grill and acai bowl place. We both decided on Thai and weren’t disappointed, as we both had the exact same dishes the very next day. We spent that night exploring Austin’s nightlife by going to it’s famous ‘Sixth street’. This place was buzzing in atmosphere, with all sorts of bars and nightclubs to go to. We spent the night playing a game called shuffleboard - a game in which you push a disc across a table as close to the edge as possible - as well as chasing after plenty of girls. Unfortunately, despite getting what we thought was pretty close, we weren’t so lucky - turns out getting four girls from Brooklyn back to your Red Roof Inn Plus ain’t so easy. The next couple days were rather more peaceful, spent chilling and checking out more of Austin’s interesting and vibrant culture before our eventual flight home. It was a great end to what was an amazing trip, and one that I will never forget. God bless you America, god bless you!

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gystink · 3 years

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Request for Qualifications: The City of San José/ Santa Clara Valley - Capitol Light Rail Extension (USA) (Copy)